Rovers sign Saints striker

Rovers have completed the loan signing of highly-rated striker Sam Gallagher from Southampton.

The 20-year-old joins on a season-long deal from the Premier League side, becoming the club's seventh new arrival of the summer.

Originally with Plymouth's youth set-up, the Saints beat a host of top clubs to his signature when the Devon-born forward joined in April 2012 and just over a year later he was making his senior debut in the League Cup.

Gallagher, who has represented both England and Scotland at Under-19 level, made four appearances in the Premier League before scoring his first senior goal as Southampton knocked Yeovil out of the FA Cup in January 2014.

That led to his full debut for the Saints at the age of 18 when he started in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal the following week and he scored his first Premier League goal in a 4-2 win over Norwich that March.

Rovers fans will remember Gallagher for his sensational extra-time winner in the final of the U21 Premier League Cup the following season - the promising youngster lashing home an unstoppable 20-yard strike to secure the trophy for the Saints.

With 20 appearances under his belt for Southampton, the forward gained further first team experience last season whilst on loan at MK Dons, featuring 15 times for Karl Robinson's side.

This summer has seen the striker net for both Saints' senior and Under-23 teams in pre-season, before making the move up to Ewood Park.

Gallagher has been given permission to play for Rovers in the EFL Cup and the Checkatrade Trophy.